Won Ton Chicken Salad
A vibrant, crunchy chicken salad with fresh greens, mandarin oranges, colorful peppers, and crispy won ton strips, perfect for light, flavorful gatherings or weekday lunches.
Ingredients
- green spinach or leaf lettuce ⓘ
- 2 c. cooked diced turkey or chicken ⓘ
- 1 can drained mandarin oranges ⓘ
- red and green pepper strips
- 4 green onions, bias cut ⓘ
- fried won ton strips or fried rice sticks (Marfun) ⓘ
- 1/4 c. oil ⓘ
- 1/4 c. rice vinegar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sesame oil ⓘ
- pinch of salt and pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Tear green spinach or leaf lettuce or use a variety of greens. Add the diced meat, mandarin oranges, red and green pepper strips, onions, and won ton strips (1/4 to 1/2-inch wide) or fried rice sticks.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, substitute the fried won ton strips with baked wontons or omit them entirely. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken instead of cooked turkey or chicken for a quick meal. Experiment with different greens like arugula or kale for added flavor and nutrition. For a gluten-free version, ensure the rice vinegar and any other sauces are certified gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect as a light lunch or a vibrant side dish at your next gathering. Pair it with grilled shrimp or chicken for a complete meal, or serve alongside a bowl of hot soup for a comforting dinner. It also pairs beautifully with Chinese recipes like Sweet and Sour Chicken for a delightful fusion meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Won Ton Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the salad fresh, store the dressing separately and only add it to the greens and toppings just before serving. If reheating, avoid microwaving the salad as it may wilt; instead, serve it cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Won Ton Chicken Salad contains roughly 324 calories, with 10g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (64% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 651mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time, but it's best to add the dressing and won ton strips just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy. If you plan to store it, keep the components separate.
What can I substitute for mandarin oranges?
If you don't have mandarin oranges, you can use fresh orange segments, canned peaches, or even sliced strawberries for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to drain any canned fruit well to avoid excess liquid.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make a vegan version of Won Ton Chicken Salad, replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu and omit the sesame oil. Use a plant-based dressing made from olive oil, vinegar, and a bit of maple syrup or agave for sweetness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).